The project could lead to an increase in sustainability and competitiveness of the European aquaculture industry

Horizon 2020 funded marine scientists are fighting fish parasites in farmed fish by developing new strategies and technologies to prevent their spread and ensure high-quality seafood for consumers.

In Europe alone, fish farming generates EUR 3 billion per year and employs an estimated 80 000 people. But, parasites in farmed fish are causing great losses – just one, the sea louse, costs the EU EUR 300 million annually.

Parasites and related infections can cause significant damage to farmed fish and result in poor growth and high mortality rates, which can seriously hamper production and revenues.

In response, the EU-funded ParaFishControl project is developing new ways of combating these parasites. The project’s researchers anticipate that the resulting anti-parasite outcomes could lead to an increase in sustainability and competitiveness of the European aquaculture industry.